Music Legend Barry Manilow Will Have an Operation for a Lung Cancer Diagnosis.
Barry Manilow announced that he was diagnosed with cancer of the lung and is set to have surgery.
Early-Stage Diagnosis
The octogenarian performer, famous for his series of high-spirited hits from "Mandy" cemented his status as one of pop music’s cherished performers, will have a procedure to remove part of his lung in an effort to combat the disease, which is at an early phase.
“For those who have been following, I recently suffered from six weeks of a severe cough followed by a recurrence of another five weeks.
“Despite the fact that I was past the infection and returned to the spotlight for my residency, my wonderful doctor requested an MRI just to ensure that everything was OK.
“The MRI detected a malignant lesion on my lung that requires removed. It’s incredible chance (and a fantastic physician) that it was discovered so early.”
Postponed Performances
He has delayed a string of upcoming live performances, but suggested he would be on stage again by mid-February for his enduring engagement at his Vegas home.
He added: “The physicians do not believe it has spread and I’m undergoing further tests to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. Chemo is not needed. Radiation therapy is off the table. Just chicken soup and classic TV.
“I’m eagerly awaiting until I come back to my second home in Las Vegas for our Valentine’s weekend concerts.”
A Long Career and Personal Life
Manilow is now in the 16th year of a residency on the Las Vegas Strip. The singer has enjoyed a career spanning many years in the spotlight and came out as gay in 2017, after wedding his partner of many years, Garry Kief privately in 2014.
The pair were in a discreet partnership for over 35 years. Recently, Manilow spoke about how crucial his husband had been to him during his rise to peak fame in the 1970s.
“When my fame skyrocketed, it was just overwhelming. And, you know, returning to an lonesome hotel suite, you can get into a lot of problems if you, you know, you’re alone repeatedly,” he said.
“But I encountered my future husband right around when it was blowing up. And I didn’t have to go back to those empty hotel rooms. I had a partner to be vulnerable with or to celebrate with.
“I wish that newcomers today don’t have to go back to those hotel rooms by themselves, because you might succumb to pitfalls. I never did. But it was quite isolating until I met Garry. And then it was fun.”
